I've been looking for a vintage 300 and came across this rarity. I've never seen a 300 with a 560 movement, could this be a Franken watch or an incredibly rare one?
Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

 

looks brand new its a frankie

 

Thanks for your reply! I kinda figured as much

 

Looking at this in a very brief glance, fake bezel, fake dial, fake hands.....

 

Fly away from it....
Cheers

 

There was a company called Watchco, I believe, that had purchased NOS cases, dials and hands from Omega
(maybe not directly). They sold them on eBay as parts and sometimes as complete watches using vintage movements from omega. I don’t believe, especially from these pictures, that this is a fake bezel, dial and hands. In fact I own one of these “Watchco” Seamaster 300s and like it very much!


Seamaster 300 on shark skin strap

 

the experts call these , service parts............its a good looker

 

I've heard of those, I believe very few Watchco's were made and sold. If you don't mind me asking, how much are those running for? For the one in question, asking $3,500 USD

 

Do you have photos of the case back inside and out?

I wouldn't dismiss it as a fake based on the supplied photos.

$3500 is about what these put together from genuine parts watches go for. That being said a cal 560 is incorrect for any 300.

 

My observations on OP’s watch is that it’s at least a combination of fake and maybe only one or two Watchco part on it. I’ve owned one myself before I moved into the real 300’s. The watch in your picture is a Watchco, and if you compare closely these two you will find differences. OP’s watch is quite close to a Watchco, but still not all there. Look at the numbers on the bezel, the shape of the hands, colour of second hand. The case is definitely fake. Maybe the dial could be a Watchco, baked or relumed. Scary close, but still no cigar.

 

I don't know if this an helpful insight, but I think this watch is the opposite of what I would like to buy. IMHO this is a fake / franken watch.

As mentioned before, it might be interesting to see pictures of the caseback.

I owned a watchco Seamaster 300 as well and I think that this example has nothing to do with those.

Anyway, here are two links that might be interesting for you:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/seamaster-300-bezels.36357/

http://thatwatchandmore.blogspot.com/2013/03/buying-vintage-omega-seamaster-300.html

 

It took some time for the seller to finally reply back with additional pics..


As many suspected a total Franken Watch another reference number 613288. They seem to be popping out frequently in SoCal as mentioned on previous forums:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/ple...it-item-s-and-seller.7699/page-66#post-662909

Thanks all for your valuable input!

 

OK, it's not a franken, it's an outright fake, at least the case is.

 

What are you saying? That the OP watch isn't a fake...or that the cal 560 did exist in a SM300?

Anyway, the author of that website should perhaps do a bit more proofreading, and research, before publising
There were no cal. 560 in a SM300 and there were no cal. 562 in a SM300. Those are to early in production. The date movements in the 166024 reference were a cal 563 (US version) or a cal. 565.
And the cal. 560 was not a jewel reduced cal 552. That would be the cal 550.
And the cal 552 was not produced in 1958 (that would be the cal 501), but later. And first used in a SM300 reference 16x.024 (the focus of the site) in 1964.
So pretty much a mixed bag of right and wrong info on the movements in the SM300's (also the serial ranges stated btw ... among others)

 

I thought this is some trustful source ... never stop learning and therefore happy to be in this community. Thanks for the note

 

It says WatchCo right on the rotor.
The company is not trying to fool anyone.
These are a GREAT option for someone who loves the SM300 but wants something they can wear daily and not worry about it.
They are great watches

 

I would not assume it s fake, but a franken one.

 

Really? It says OMEGA WATCH Co SWISS, just like any other 55x movement.

 

No, its fake, really, really fake.